Monday, March 19, 2007

As promised here are more details about the new pillow I had on display for the QA show.

I started in the middle and log-cabined outwards, but instead of working “in the round” – adding rows in a spiral – top, right, bottom, left, top, right bottom left. I worked from side to side. Adding left and right, then top and bottom, left and right, etc. If I had added corner stones to each row it would have been more of a Courthouse Steps which you might want to try as well.

The top of my pillow is made entirely from our Jacquard ribbons and Westfalenstoffe, all imported from Germany. (You’ll find a supply list below.)

The first step was to make a sandwich of muslin, batting and muslin. This allowed me to quilt as I went, giving my pillow a nice firm feel. All fabric strips were cut 2” wide.

I started with my initial in the middle and slid a strip under each side, pinning it so that 1/4 inch of the tan stripe was under the ribbon and 1-3/4” was still showing then top-stitched along the sides of my ribbon.

My next strip was added along the top and bottom by placing the cut strip right-sides together with the tan stripes – J – tan stripes and sewing an even 1/4” seam. The next strips were added vertically in the same manner. Ribbon came next, both top and bottom, so I pinned these in place, leaving 1-1/2” finished width showing from my previous horizontal row and top-stitched in place. Then came another horizontal row tan on top

and red/white stripes below. These were again slid under the ribbon, leaving 1-3/4” unfinished width showing.

After the next next vertical row of red/white stripe I got a little creative as not every row was symmetrical and the vine ribbon was mitered in the top left corner. But this is where your imagination and individuality comes into play.

After adding all my rows, I trimmed the top to 19” square. I also quilted my back flaps, then added buttonholes before pinning the flaps over each other and trimming the back to 19” square. Then I placed my top and back wrong sides together and zig-zag these layers together around the perimeter. I was using my Featherweight and don’t have a walking foot but would recommend the use of one as my fabric want to pile up and ripple more than I would have liked.

Rather than putting cording in my pillow I bound it. The two layers of batting and 5 layers of fabric were thick enough that when I added a bias-cut double binding, my pillow has a weighty finish that really topped it off. I cut my binding 2-1/2” wide and sewed it with a 3/8” seam. My pillow form was 18” giving it a lovely filled out look.

I’m really pleased with the result and can’t wait to try more. If you make a pillow, I’d love to see pictures. I know some of you chose different color combinations and it will be fun to see how they all turn out.

Enjoy! Jovita

Oh – my question about it being a Willow or a Wallow? Whenever I make a wall-hanging for a friend I aim for a standard pillow insert size . . . then add a pillow flap to the back, a hanging sleeve and I bind it as I would a quilt. My friend then has the option of hanging her gift on the wall or using it on her sofa as a pillow.

What will you need to complete your pillow?

Pillow Front

1 packet of Five Westfalenstoffe Fat Quarters (Red-Tan) Two 21” squares muslin One 21” square thin batting Thread - I used Beige for everything so I could top-stitch without having to change.

All images, text, and content on this site are the sole property of Jovita Goldschmidt and may not be used, copied or transmitted without her express consent. All patterns and resulting product are for personal non-commercial use only. You are welcome to to link this site or a post from this site but please give appropriate credit for content. Any other inquiries please email me at jovita@peawink.com.

Wow, I’m really sorry it’s taken me so long to post again. I returned to the states nearly five weeks ago – on Valentine’s Day and I can’t believe that St. Patrick’s day has already gone by and we’re flying toward Easter.

I got sick the very first weekend I came home and it hung on . . . from that into more work on the website, another hip surgery for my mom and prep for our expanded booth at the Quilters Anonymous Show last weekend at the Monroe Fairgrounds kept Patti and I both very busy. Through the rain, more illness and truck break-downs we packed, repacked, unpacked, set up and celebrated the weekend with many many quilters who visited the show.

It was a fantastic weekend and I can’t describe what a great time I had. Setting up our booth was bittersweet as I’ve missed the shop so very much, but how lovely to hug and be hugged by so many customers and friends that we’ve missed seeing

I managed to finish a new sample for the show – a pillow that will go in my living room here . . . using some of our Jacquard ribbons and Westfalenstoffe imported from Germany. Read my next post for more info about making your own!

My mom also whipped out two samples for us using the “Flower of the Month” collection from Northcott. Here – January Carnations & February Violets which we’ve already kitted up. She’s anxious to get started on March Daffodils and April Daisies. I’ll post pictures and kit info as soon as they’re ready.

This coming weekend, I’ll be in Renton at the Evergreen Piecemakers Spring Break. Their guild puts on three days of classes and luncheons, including speakers Gwen Marston and Maggie Ball – during breaks and evenings they shop us vendors right in our hotel rooms, so while they’re in their classes I’m planning on sewing up more samples to show soon.

And get back in the swing of things, writing you a weekly update on all of our comings, goings and doings. Watch this space for more about upcoming gatherings, our annual rubber duck hunt, visitors from Germany, shows and get-togethers.

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ABOUT ME

i'm a washington (state! vs DC) girl married to a tall german living in belgium. i own a little quilt shop and love to teach and design ... i'm always busy - getting inspired, making things, cooking, baking, quilting, gardening.